How would you handle this?

I tutored a little girl who was going into 1st grade last summer. Just for the summer. Her mom called me last week to make arrangements to tutor her again. She is not really struggling but mom wants to keep her stimulated during the summer months. I show up the other day and there were 2 girls there. She had her daughter's friend over and they both had these matching notebooks and mom said "I thought it would be more fun if she got to have a friend with her so you could have like a little class." I did not have enough materials with me since I was doing a reading inventory to see her progress and I was taken back. I charge her $50/hr and did not increase my rate since last year but would you increase it if you had 2 students???? They will be doing the same work. I think I am just more annoyed at the fact that she didn't mention this to me beforehand.

Re: How would you handle this?

is the friend going to be there everytime?

Re: How would you handle this?

Re: How would you handle this?

hmm..thats a tough call.

i really don't know what i would do. i mean if it isn't causing you extra work and this is just for "stimulation" then i wouldn't charge her. but then again this girl is getting your services for free.

i know..i'm not much help. i don't know what i would do.

Re: How would you handle this?

I would be annoyed if I hadn't known in advance. I think the mom needs to be more upfront with you, and if this is going to be a regular thing, you should be compensated for the second child, IMO. If the other girl is going to really participate, it means more time for you with preparing and evaluating, etc.

Re: How would you handle this?

Some people! that is very nervy of the mom.

I think if you don't mind possibly losing them, I would ask for more money because now you are responsible for tutoring two students. maybe not double the amount, but that will definitely be added work for you. And it sounds like she is basically planning to be there every time.

When you tell her you need more $, I would also stick in something like "I'm sorry to have to spring this on you, I would have told you in advance about the price increase, however, I was obviously not aware that so-and-so was also going to be needing my services as well."

good luck with that one.

Re: How would you handle this?

I would just accept it. Maybe talk to her and ask for a little more money. Maybe $60 or $75 an hour.

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Re: How would you handle this?

The mom totally took advantage of you and is playing you for a sucker. $50 an hour is very cheap and she is lucky to have you at that rate.

Maybe, to handle it delicately and not insult the mom who is paying you, you can ask her, "when will I be able to talk to the other little girl's mother? I would like to get an idea of what kind of help she needs and how much help she needs, as well as discussing payment plans with her." Makes it sound like you're not blaming Mom #1 for this.

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I would be pi$$ed off...that mother has a lot of nerve! Whoever suggested speaking to the mother about getting info of girl #2 was right...that is a good way to handle it!

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Re: How would you handle this?

I agree with the advice of speaking to the other girl's mother and discussing payment from her for your services! Good luck and let us know how it works out!

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any updates??

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Well I did't say anything the other day but the other girl was there again. The original girl will be away next week and I will be away the week after so we were making arrangements and the mom said "well, her mom might call you while we're away" so I was going to wait it out. I feel so uncomfortable saying anything but it IS creating more work, more photocopies, etc.

Re: How would you handle this?

Posted by mikeswife06

Well I did't say anything the other day but the other girl was there again. The original girl will be away next week and I will be away the week after so we were making arrangements and the mom said "well, her mom might call you while we're away" so I was going to wait it out. I feel so uncomfortable saying anything but it IS creating more work, more photocopies, etc.

Message edited 7/3/2007 10:04:08 PM.

Re: How would you handle this?

Posted by nyteacher13

Posted by mikeswife06

the mom said "well, her mom might call you while we're away" so I was going to wait it out. I feel so uncomfortable saying anything but it IS creating more work, more photocopies, etc.

oh well. The more you prolong this, the harder it will be to say anything. By the time you DO decide to open your mouth, there may be hard feelings and it will be too late. Your decision - I totally don't agree with it - and you have to live with it.

ETA: Yea, more work is RIGHT!!! I'd be bitter if I had to do TWICE as much for 50.00 an hour for TWO KIDS. Very silly of you to continue this...

Re: How would you handle this?

I think, at this point, this now gives you the perfect way to start the conversation when you go back - I'm such a chicken with this stuff too but I think you HAVE to say something. The fact that she said the other mother may call you, I think they are taking total advantage and they probably are splitting the cost and patting each other on the back.

If the other girl is there when you go back in two weeks, I would say that you were waiting to see if the other mother called you, but since she didn't and the girl is still there, that you have to say it cannot continue like this...

Re: How would you handle this?

Re: How would you handle this?

Posted by mikeswife06

Posted by nyteacher13

Posted by mikeswife06

the mom said "well, her mom might call you while we're away" so I was going to wait it out. I feel so uncomfortable saying anything but it IS creating more work, more photocopies, etc.

oh well. The more you prolong this, the harder it will be to say anything. By the time you DO decide to open your mouth, there may be hard feelings and it will be too late. Your decision - I totally don't agree with it - and you have to live with it.

ETA: Yea, more work is RIGHT!!! I'd be bitter if I had to do TWICE as much for 50.00 an hour for TWO KIDS. Very silly of you to continue this...

Well, I figured I would wait to see if that girl's mom does call me then I can discuss it with her. If she doesn't and when I come back they are both there again then I REALLY know they are pulling the wool over my eyes, but if the other mom calls me I will know she genuinely wants to have her child tutored. I don't know. I agree it's not right and I should say something, I am SO bad at this stuff